DCHUX SURGICAL CENTER
(DC Hand & Upper Extremity Surgical Center)
Dr. Shar Hashemi
Washington, DC
How Dr. Hashemi, Surgeon at NBJI Built His Vision for a New Surgical Center
This conversation with Dr. Char Hashimi explores how the vision for DC’s only privately held ambulatory surgery center translated into a real, code-compliant facility. He walks through certificate-of-need history, planning OR and periop capacity, and the role of Liberty’s design-build team, legal, compliance, pharmacy, and radiation partners in turning a tight historic footprint into a future-ready, patient-centered surgical hub.
Progress Update. FGI Health Inspection
This episode walks through DCHUX’s new hand surgery center after Department of Health review uncovered FGI-related design deficiencies in the operating rooms and periop bays. Ethan and Wilar show how the team is enlarging the ORs, upgrading flooring and panels, tweaking medical gas, HVAC, sterilization, and drainage, and reworking bay spacing to satisfy ASC guidelines without expanding the suite’s footprint. It’s a behind-the-walls look at how code, equipment, and real-world constraints collide once a “finished” surgical center meets Medicare and Department of Health standards.
Demo Update
The old medical suite is fully demolished, exposing tight ceilings and aging MEP that serve multiple tenants. Our team is coordinating with building engineers to decide what lines, drains, and ductwork can stay while preparing for new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. With permits approved and a June 2025 deadline, all trades are reviewing conditions to quickly plan reroutes, install new heat pumps, and fit modern systems into the limited ceiling space. The goal is to turn the cleared shell into a high-end surgical office through fast, coordinated work.
Owner Walkthrough
A new two-OR surgical center is underway at 3 Washington Circle for DCHUX, led by Dr. Hashemi and Liberty Construction. After closing their first location during the pandemic, the team secured a larger space with access to nearby trauma services and began a full redesign. The project involves navigating tight ceiling constraints, reusing select mechanical systems, and meeting strict codes for med-gas, HVAC, and life-safety compliance. With framing up and MEP design underway, Liberty and the clinical team are coordinating equipment needs, regulatory requirements, and budget limits as they transform the shell into a high-end, code-compliant surgical facility opening in summer 2025.
DCHUX
Nestled in the heart of Foggy Bottom at Three Washington Circle, the new D.C. HUX Surgical Center brings a refined, modern, and clinically advanced environment to Washington, D.C. Built from the ground up with a focus on precision, safety, and patient experience, this facility marks a significant milestone in the evolution of outpatient surgical care in the city.
Purpose-Built for Surgical Excellence
From its two fully equipped operating rooms to its dedicated procedure room, sterilization suite, and recovery spaces, every square foot of D.C. HUX is designed to support high-acuity hand, nerve, and orthopedic procedures. State-of-the-art surgical lights, integrated anesthesia systems, and a full med-gas backbone set the stage for exceptional clinical performance. The clean lines, neutral palette, and bright, controlled lighting create a focused environment where surgeons and staff can work with absolute clarity.
Engineered for Safety, Flow, and Compliance
Behind the walls and above the ceilings lies the true heartbeat of the project—NFPA-compliant med-gas systems, dedicated UPS backup power, advanced HVAC filtration, and organized electrical infrastructure. These systems were meticulously coordinated within a tight ceiling plenum to meet the demanding requirements of a modern surgical practice. The result is seamless clinical flow from sterilization to the ORs to PACU, all supported by reliable redundancy and life-safety controls.
A Center Designed Around Patients and Precision
D.C. HUX is more than a surgical suite—it’s a place where advanced medicine meets thoughtful design. Wide corridors, comfortable prep and recovery areas, and a centralized nursing station bring efficiency and calm to the patient experience. Soft finishes balance the technical environment, while natural light and clear wayfinding create a sense of ease for patients and families.
Modern Care for a Modern City
Built in close partnership with the D.C. HUX team, this facility reflects a shared commitment to elevating ambulatory surgical care in Washington, D.C. Located steps from a Level I trauma center and surrounded by leading specialists, the new space strengthens clinical collaboration and expands access to specialized nerve and hand surgery. D.C. HUX stands as a sophisticated, future-focused surgical center—engineered for precision, built for safety, and designed to support exceptional outcomes for years to come.